Jordan Rudess, keyboardist of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, shared a performance video of "Icarus," a composition originally created by Ralph Towner during his time with the Paul Winter Consort. Rudess expressed a deep musical connection to Towner despite never meeting him personally.
Ralph Towner was an esteemed American multi-instrumentalist and bandleader, known for his proficiency on various instruments including twelve-string guitar, classical guitar, piano, synthesizer, and brass instruments. He had a prolific career spanning from the 1970s until his death in Rome, Italy on January 18, 2026, at the age of 85.
The performance tribute by Rudess commemorates Towner's significant contributions to music and highlights the enduring influence of his work within the progressive and jazz music communities. Rudess himself was involved with the Paul Winter Consort later in his career, linking the two artists across generations through their shared musical heritage.